Worth a visit

Not to be missed

> Château Gaillard : Although long in ruins, the great castle that Richard the Lionheart had built to guard the Seine and Rouen remains a tremendous sight. You can visit many of the exteriors free of charge, but you need to get a ticket to see inside the central portion of the fort.

> Nicolas Poussin Museum: Named after the local genius of an artist born in a hamlet beside Les Andelys in 1594, this museum, set in a fine 17th century townhouse, in fact covers the history of Les Andelys from prehistoric times to the present. The museum does hold one work by Poussin, who was famed for his brilliant works in Italian Classical style.

> Notre Dame Collegiate Church : The first Norman abbey was founded on the site of this church in 511 by Queen Clotilde, wife of Clovis, king of the Franks. The present church was erected between the 13th and 17th centuries. Inside, admire several works by Quentin Varin, an artist who inspired the young local Nicolas Poussin when he stopped to work here. There is also some splendid stained glass and some finely carved church furniture, including the organ.

> Sainte-Clotilde Foutain : According to legend, while digging the foundations for the monastery ordered by the wife of Clovis, the workmen complained of having nothing to quench their thirst in the heat. The queen’s prayers apparently changed the water from an adjacent fountain into wine. Sadly, the miracle has not been repeated.

> Saint-Sauveur Church : Erected for the workers building the Château-Gaillard, the church houses one of the finest organs in France.

> Le Petit Andely : this is the Seine-side part of town. As well as enjoying a riverside walk here, you can admire two religious establishments. The grandiose Hospice Saint-Jacques was built to receive pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, but is now an old people’s home. The Gothic Saint-Sauveur church houses some interesting paintings as well as a particularly fine organ.

> Le Grand-Andely : now joined to Le Petit Andely by Rue de la République, this part of town is set a bit back from the Seine, but attracts visitors with its grand church, its bell tower, its fountain and its history museum.